By Ignatius Low, Money Editor and Jeremy Au Yong, Political Correspondent

TWENTY years ago, a group of 12 economies went against the grain, deciding to band together and commit to free trade.

Now, in a pivotal moment in economic history, the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) must once again take the lead in breaking down trade barriers and helping global businesses.

That was Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's call to his fellow Apec ministers, as he welcomed them to the Apec talks taking place here this week. Evoking memories of the past and the notion of family, Mr Lee, dressed casually in an open- necked red shirt, addressed the dark-suited crowd at an official reception last night.

Obama to seek release of Suu Kyi at summit
By Bhagyashree Garekar, US Correspondent

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama will make a personal plea for the release of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi at his meeting with Asean leaders in Singapore on Sunday, a senior administration official said.

Asked if Mr Obama will press her case, the official told The Straits Times in an interview on Monday: 'I think he will. That will be in the context of all political prisoners.

'Of course, she is the most prominent among them. He will probably mention her by name.'

Obama's visit cut short by a day
Fort Hood memorial service means he will arrive in S'pore late
By Ravi Velloor & Robin Chan

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama's trip to Singapore will be cut by almost a full day as he travelled to Texas to attend a memorial service for the victims of last week's Fort Hood mass shooting.

The change of plans to accommodate yesterday's memorial service at the Texan army base, where 13 people died, means that Mr Obama will not arrive in Singapore before nightfall on Saturday.

He was scheduled to make a keynote address at the Apec CEO Summit in the morning. 'We were hoping Mr Obama would attend the Apec CEO Summit,' an official associated with the event said. 'But we have been told that he will not be there.'

Apec must set sights on free trade area
George Yeo suggests timeframe of about two years
By Teo Cheng Wee, Regional Correspondent

APEC has overcome many hurdles in its 20 years of existence, but it should now set its sights on forging a free trade area comprising almost half the world's trade.

That call by Foreign Minister George Yeo came yesterday at a symposium to mark the Asia-Pacific Regional Forum's 20th anniversary. The timeframe he had in mind was around two years.

His remarks also come ahead of this week's summit of the 21-member grouping - grown since its original 12.

116 youths to rub shoulders with VIPs
Young delegates from Apec region will mingle with leaders and CEOs
By Lee Seok Hwai

CHINA undergraduate Chen Jing, 22, feels very lucky to be visiting Singapore this week, even though she has been here twice in the past.

She is among 116 youths who beat tens of thousands of young people from 18 economies around the world for the chance to pick the brains of leaders and businessmen - and vice-versa - who are here for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders' Week.

They will also visit Singapore attractions like the Night Safari as well as talk to movie star Jet Li and Olympic pole-vaulting legend Sergey Bubka.

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